Discover

The Cellar of William I. Koch: America’s Wine Vault Goes to Auction

Christie’s New York auctions 1,500 lots from William Koch’s legendary cellar (12–14 June 2025). Fine wines, Methuselahs, and a collector’s legacy go under the hammer.

Por: Angela Leon Cervera May 30, 2025

The Cellar of William I. Koch. Photos: Christie's

Christie’s New York will host one of the most anticipated wine auctions of the decade from 12 to 14 June 2025: The Cellar of William I. Koch: The Great American Collector.

Featuring approximately 1,500 lots, this historic event will showcase selections from Koch’s world-renowned collection, including more than 750 large-format bottles, with an estimated low-end value of $15 million.

This isn’t just an auction — it’s a once-in-a-generation release from a climate-controlled cathedral of wine, hand-built beneath Koch’s mansion in Palm Beach. Think vaulted ceilings, Roman mosaic fragments, and aisles arranged by vintage, region, and producer.

What Makes This Cellar So Exceptional?

Architectural Marvel: Koch’s subterranean Palm Beach wine vault features European stone, ancient Roman fragments, and bespoke shelving. It’s been dubbed a “temple to the grape.”
Proven Provenance: Every bottle comes from a cellar famed for its authenticity. Koch is a staunch defender against wine fraud and was pivotal in the conviction of counterfeit dealer Rudy Kurniawan.
Collector’s Passion: Koch began collecting in the 1970s when first-growth Bordeaux was still accessible to new graduates. Over the decades, his taste matured — and so did the scale of his holdings.

Star Lots You’ll Want to Watch

Château Mouton Rothschild 1945 (4 bottles): A wartime vintage in exceptional condition.
Six magnums of Petrus 1990: From Pomerol’s most celebrated estate.
Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (DRC): Over 45 jeroboams and Methuselahs — the ultimate Burgundy treasure.
Montrachet Grand Cru 1986, Jeroboam: Estimated at $20,000–30,000.
Henri Jayer, Vosne-Romanée Cros Parantoux 1990, Magnum: Estimated at $24,000–38,000.

Each bottle reflects decades of careful curation, temperature control, and unbroken provenance.

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

Una publicación compartida por Christie's (@christiesinc)

The Legacy of William Koch

A billionaire, sailor, and art collector, William I. Koch is more than just a wine aficionado. He’s also a crusader for wine integrity.

His legal battle with notorious fraudster Rudy Kurniawan helped reshape industry standards for authentication. His 2016 Sotheby’s sale reached nearly $22 million, making this second major release a cultural and commercial event.

Beyond lawsuits and ledgers, Koch describes building the cellar as “one of the great joys of my life.” He famously joked that even with nightly parties, he’d never finish the collection.

Why This Auction Is a Benchmark for Wine Collectors

Global Attention: With Christie’s digital bidding and international marketing, the auction is poised to attract collectors worldwide.
Investment Opportunity: Rare formats and pristine provenance make these bottles ideal for long-term appreciation.
Emotional Appeal: This is not just wine. It’s heritage — bottled and sealed under vaulted ceilings.

Few private collections match the breadth and legend of William I. Koch’s wine vault. With grand formats, elite vintages, and courtroom-backed credibility, this sale is more than a wine event — it’s a rare chance to acquire bottled history.

Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or a newcomer with a sharp palate, this Christie’s auction is a date to mark, sip, and remember.

What You Should Know Before the Bidding Begins

Where can I preview the wines? Christie’s New York will hold public viewings ahead of the auction. Details will be available on their official site.
Can I bid online? Yes. Remote bidding will be available globally through Christie’s Live™.
What’s the price range? Lots range from a few hundred dollars to over $30,000. Many are grouped by vintage or producer.
How do I know the wines are authentic? Provenance is extensively documented. Koch’s cellar is one of the most vetted in the world.